Refreshing or Revolting: 2020 Subaru Legacy

Get out your magnifying glass

19 February, 2019Kelly Pleskot Words

19 February, 2019Kelly Pleskot Words

Get out your magnifying glass

Subaru has fully redesigned the Legacy sedan, but you’d never know it. The model sits on a new platform and features new technologies, but the exterior design changes are pretty minimal. That’s not surprising given Subaru’s conservative attitude toward vehicle styling. The question is: Is the subtle approach effective or not? Let’s take a closer look at the design updates on the 2020 Subaru Legacy.

Up front, the headlights look smaller, although very similar to the old design. There is no longer a frame around the grille, giving the new model a more streamlined appearance. The new grille also has sharper corners than the old one. The model pictured here has new black trim around the lower intake area.

When looking at the side profile, you’ll notice the biggest change is the new set of wheels. The two main character lines that run across the doors have also been redesigned. The top character line is softer, and the bottom one curves upward toward the rear wheel. Subaru revamped the design of the side mirrors for improved aerodynamics. Also, notice the shape of the window has altered near the rear. The roofline drops down more sharply when it reaches the trunk compared to the old model. In the rear, you’ll find slimmer taillights with a new lighting signature. This change is complemented by a redesigned license plate area and bumper. Overall, the rear looks more upright.

The most important updates happen inside the cabin. The previous model featured an optional 8-inch screen oriented horizontally. Now, Subaru has adopted an 11.6-inch screen oriented vertically like a tablet. If you want to change the cabin temperature, there are new haptic controls at the bottom of the screen, as well as physical buttons off to the side. The air vents are now positioned to the side of the screen instead of on top. You’ll also find the shifter is new.

Is the 2020 Subaru Legacy refreshing or revolting? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.